In any natural cataclysm, for example, an earthquake, even several seconds may save somebody’s life. You will cover yourself and your family in a secure place and avoid fatal consequences. For this aim, Google company released technologies that not only warn about a possible earthquake but also turn your phone into a small seismometer.
Step-by-step Integration of Technologies
The company plans to implement this function in several steps. Google works with the United States Geological Survey and the California Office of Emergency Services. The existing ShakeAlerts system uses data from traditional seismometers. And the users receive warnings about coming earthquakes. However, it’s impossible to provide worldwide coverage of this function. These seismometers cost a pretty penny. So, the second and third steps are the use of Android devices opportunities.
You can already see the partial implementation of this function. Write “earthquake near me” in the search box. You will see the system tab to specify whether you’ve just felt shaking. At this moment you’ll most probably go to Google to learn what’s going on. So this is the fastest way to define an earthquake epicenter.
If this function turns to be effective, the company will implement the third stage in the quake-prone countries. For example, Indonesia now runs short of traditional seismometers.
Basic Idea of these Technologies
The accelerometers in smartphones use sensors to measure direction and impetus. In most cases, they are used to define the disposition of the phone: vertical or horizontal.
The smartphones can differentiate quake shakings from vibrations caused by thunder or falling. In particular, they define P-waves (primary seismic waves that a human can’t feel) and S-waves (secondary waves that foreshadow devastating impulses). Nevertheless, this function only enables when the phone is charging and not used. And data is permitted to be provided to Google.
If your smartphone detects a shock, it sends its location information to Google. The server defines the epicenter and assesses the magnitude analyzing all received notifications. The users who are located in the area of a possible earthquake will hear a loud sound signal. After that, the full-screen warning will appear. It will recommend to sit down, find a secure place, and stay there. The far the users locate from the epicenter the simpler notifications they will receive.
No application is needed for this function. It enables when the earthquake magnitude is 4.5 and more.
How to develop one’s skills in emergency with the help of VR simulator
Unfortunately, no one is secured from this situation. However, even a timely sent notification may cause panic. It’s important to bring your actions to perfection in case of an emergency. For this aim, our team of developers created a VR simulator that helps to learn how to behave in case of an earthquake, fire, flood, etc. Read more in our portfolio!
Relevance
Thus, modern technological projects start turning to enhance security among users. According to various surveys, more than half of the people all over the world have smartphones. That means that these technologies will allow saving a significant percentage of users in case of an emergency.
